CHRONIC OPIOID THERAPY

There are specific facts that you should know now that you have been started on chronic opioids.  These potential risks and side effects can occur at any time during therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and constipation.  Take your medication with food to decrease any nausea.  If you experience constipation, please refer to the “Bowel Regiment Sheet.”  Other effects include lowered sex drive, sleepiness or appetite changes.

TOLERANCE is the need for a higher dose of medication to get the same effect.  You may develop a certain amount of tolerance.

ADDICTION is when a person abuses drugs to obtain euphoria to “get high” or when the patient shows behavior such as “doctor shopping.”  The risk of becoming addicted to opioids is low when used for a pain condition.

PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE is common to many drugs including opioids.  For this reason, you should not abruptly stop your medication.  Consult your doctor if you wish to stop or decrease your medication.  Withdrawal symptoms include runny nose, large pupils, abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea, irritability and dizziness.

PAIN RELIEF:  It may take several months for you to obtain satisfactory pain relief.  You will be evaluated at each appointment and your doctor will decide when to increase your medication.

LONG-ACTING OPIOIDS:  Long-acting opioids work for an extended period of time in your body, usually 8-24 hours.  You must take these medications exactly as prescribed.  Taking them on a schedule allows your body to develop a therapeutic blood level.  There are different types of long-acting opioids.  If you experience severe side effects to one opioid, your doctor may choose to switch you to another one.  You may have certain side effects to one medication but not to others.

SHORT-ACTING OPIOIDS:  Short-acting opioids work for a brief period of time in your body.  These are usually used for breakthrough pain.  If you are prescribed breakthrough pain medication, you will receive a certain amount per month.  You must take these medications exactly as prescribed.  You must make this amount last for the entire month.